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Hougang By-election later news up date
- Thread starter sengkang
- Start date
WP counters PAP's charges of dishonesty
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 24 May 2012 2236 hrs
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SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) leadership has countered the PAP's criticism that it has been dishonest, flip flopping on policies and taking voters for granted.
At the WP's final rally for the Hougang by-election on Thursday, several WP members spoke of the party's candidate Png Eng Huat's integrity and his track record in Hougang.
They also said that as an opposition party, the WP does not oppose for the sake of opposing.
Mr Chen Show Mao, an MP for Aljunied GRC, spoke about what he described as "political honesty".
Mr Chen said what the party tries to do is: be an honest critic. He added that may be difficult for some to understand.
Mr Chen said: "How could the Workers' Party criticise government policies and pass this year's Budget? He (DPM Teo Chee Hean) said we're flip flopping and he called us 'dishonest'...
"The WP MPs voted to pass this year's Budget because we believe the government had taken a good first step towards forging an inclusive society, which has always been the Workers' Party's platform.
"When the driver is starting to make a U-turn to go in the direction suggested by the co-driver, we say 'pass', but you must keep going!"
Mr Pritam Singh, another MP for Aljunied GRC, also rejected criticisms that the Workers' Party has been contradicting itself.
He said: "We agreed with the Budget, because there were elements in the Budget which were inclusive. Singaporeans, you know the track record of the Workers' Party. We do not oppose for the sake of opposing. If a policy benefits Singaporeans, how can we in good conscience oppose it?"
Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim addressed voters who may still be on the fence, and gave reasons why Mr Png would be a good MP at a local level.
She said: "As for being a representative in Parliament, Png is also an excellent choice; he is thoughtful, mature and extremely hardworking. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but a self-made man who fought his way through life. Png will not hesitate to raise the concerns of people in Parliament; he will be a bold yet sensible opposition voice."
Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang accused the PAP of unwarranted personal attacks on the WP MPs.
"During the PAP's rally, MP Denise Phua criticised the Workers' Party for always saying the bad things about the government. But in fact, I rose to thank the government for giving better focus to the welfare of the people in the same Budget debate, where totally unwarranted attacks were made on the Workers' Party MPs. The Workers' Party is very clear that our core mission is the welfare and the well being of our people," said Mr Low.
Mr Low added that opposition MPs can only do so much to suggest policy changes. He refuted criticism that the Workers' Party had no suggestions or only criticised the government.
Mr Low said: "Policies are not always perfect and groups of people may be adversely affected. We can provide feedback from the ground, make recommendations, but it is almost impossible to challenge the technicality of these policies without the resources that the ministries have.
"Opposition MPs cannot, neither can the PAP MPs. Let's see what Desmond Choo, or any other PAP MPs for that matter, can propose alternative policies to solve the problems of high COE prices or high water and electricity charges."
Like he did at his previous rallies, Mr Png again shared his plans for Hougang residents. Among these are upgrading for flats and the construction of amenities like covered walkways as well as elderly fitness corners.
Mr Png again explained why the Hougang vote is important. "When Hougang goes to the polls on Saturday, the whole of Singapore will be watching. A vote for the PAP will be a vote in the wrong direction in our march towards a First World Parliament. A vote for the PAP will be a step backwards for justice, democracy and equality."
- CNA/ir
By Imelda Saad | Posted: 24 May 2012 2236 hrs
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Attendees at Workers' Party's rally on Thursday (photo by channelnewsasia.com's Siti Bazilah) | ||||||
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SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) leadership has countered the PAP's criticism that it has been dishonest, flip flopping on policies and taking voters for granted.
At the WP's final rally for the Hougang by-election on Thursday, several WP members spoke of the party's candidate Png Eng Huat's integrity and his track record in Hougang.
They also said that as an opposition party, the WP does not oppose for the sake of opposing.
Mr Chen Show Mao, an MP for Aljunied GRC, spoke about what he described as "political honesty".
Mr Chen said what the party tries to do is: be an honest critic. He added that may be difficult for some to understand.
Mr Chen said: "How could the Workers' Party criticise government policies and pass this year's Budget? He (DPM Teo Chee Hean) said we're flip flopping and he called us 'dishonest'...
"The WP MPs voted to pass this year's Budget because we believe the government had taken a good first step towards forging an inclusive society, which has always been the Workers' Party's platform.
"When the driver is starting to make a U-turn to go in the direction suggested by the co-driver, we say 'pass', but you must keep going!"
Mr Pritam Singh, another MP for Aljunied GRC, also rejected criticisms that the Workers' Party has been contradicting itself.
He said: "We agreed with the Budget, because there were elements in the Budget which were inclusive. Singaporeans, you know the track record of the Workers' Party. We do not oppose for the sake of opposing. If a policy benefits Singaporeans, how can we in good conscience oppose it?"
Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim addressed voters who may still be on the fence, and gave reasons why Mr Png would be a good MP at a local level.
She said: "As for being a representative in Parliament, Png is also an excellent choice; he is thoughtful, mature and extremely hardworking. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but a self-made man who fought his way through life. Png will not hesitate to raise the concerns of people in Parliament; he will be a bold yet sensible opposition voice."
Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang accused the PAP of unwarranted personal attacks on the WP MPs.
"During the PAP's rally, MP Denise Phua criticised the Workers' Party for always saying the bad things about the government. But in fact, I rose to thank the government for giving better focus to the welfare of the people in the same Budget debate, where totally unwarranted attacks were made on the Workers' Party MPs. The Workers' Party is very clear that our core mission is the welfare and the well being of our people," said Mr Low.
Mr Low added that opposition MPs can only do so much to suggest policy changes. He refuted criticism that the Workers' Party had no suggestions or only criticised the government.
Mr Low said: "Policies are not always perfect and groups of people may be adversely affected. We can provide feedback from the ground, make recommendations, but it is almost impossible to challenge the technicality of these policies without the resources that the ministries have.
"Opposition MPs cannot, neither can the PAP MPs. Let's see what Desmond Choo, or any other PAP MPs for that matter, can propose alternative policies to solve the problems of high COE prices or high water and electricity charges."
Like he did at his previous rallies, Mr Png again shared his plans for Hougang residents. Among these are upgrading for flats and the construction of amenities like covered walkways as well as elderly fitness corners.
Mr Png again explained why the Hougang vote is important. "When Hougang goes to the polls on Saturday, the whole of Singapore will be watching. A vote for the PAP will be a vote in the wrong direction in our march towards a First World Parliament. A vote for the PAP will be a step backwards for justice, democracy and equality."
- CNA/ir
SINGAPORE: Police have said there will be no gathering of supporters and members of the public at the two designated assembly centres on Saturday as no permits were issued.
Hougang Stadium and Serangoon Junior College were identified earlier as outdoor assembly centres for supporters and the public to gather and wait for the result of the Hougang by-election.
The People's Action Party has fielded trade unionist Desmond Choo as its candidate for the second time, while the Workers' Party has fielded businessman Png Eng Huat, who was part of its East Coast GRC team in the 2011 General Election.
On Polling Day, which is Saturday, nine voting centres will open at 8am.
Polling Day for the Hougang by-election is not a public holiday. Counting of votes will begin after polls close at 8pm.
Hougang Stadium and Serangoon Junior College were identified earlier as outdoor assembly centres for supporters and the public to gather and wait for the result of the Hougang by-election.
The People's Action Party has fielded trade unionist Desmond Choo as its candidate for the second time, while the Workers' Party has fielded businessman Png Eng Huat, who was part of its East Coast GRC team in the 2011 General Election.
On Polling Day, which is Saturday, nine voting centres will open at 8am.
Polling Day for the Hougang by-election is not a public holiday. Counting of votes will begin after polls close at 8pm.
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Cooling off day.
[h=1]Sylvia Lim at the Hougang Lunar New Year Dinner 2011[/h]<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2p16NAU7gUc?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2p16NAU7gUc?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>
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[h=1]Sylvia Lim at the Hougang Lunar New Year Dinner 2011[/h]<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2p16NAU7gUc?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2p16NAU7gUc?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>
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[h=1][/h][h=1]Mr and Mrs Low at the Hougang Lunar New Year Dinner 2011[/h]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17XtYHwojzM&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17XtYHwojzM&feature=relmfu
[h=1]Workers' Party Aljunied GRC team singing a Hokkien song - 12/FEB/2012[/h]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilQRn287byQ&feature=related
He wants to keep the flame alive
by Teo Xuanwei
04:45 AM May 26, 2012
SINGAPORE - When the Workers' Party (WP) unveiled Mr Png Eng Huat (picture), 50, as its candidate for the Hougang by-election, the businessman appeared uncomfortable with the media attention.
He confirmed as much when he told Today that it was "challenging to be thrust in the spotlight".
Over the past days of campaigning, Mr Png, a self-confessed listener who prefers to work in the background, found himself constantly in the limelight, with the People's Action Party (PAP) keen to pile attention on him.
But Mr Png has always maintained that the by-election is about something bigger than himself. "The key issue is to preserve Hougang - this is where everything started for the Workers' Party in 1991," said Mr Png, who has described Hougang as a "shining light for democracy" as he seeks to keep the flame burning.
In line with his declaration that he would conduct a "no-frills and low-key" campaign, Mr Png - who was described by WP chief Low Thia Khiang as a "hands-on person (who) doesn't like publicity" - held his walkabouts and other campaign activities largely away from the media glare.
He is, after all, representing a party that has a "track record in Hougang", he pointed out. And having been active in Hougang grassroots activities since 2006, residents "know my abilities", he said.
"The bottom line for me is that things must get done. In the sense, whether I'm fiery or I'm doing it on the quiet, things must get done. Views must be aired," said Mr Png, adding that Hougang residents "have not given me any indication they want me to be fiery".
But Mr Png did show a fiery side when the occasion called for it, such as when his integrity was questioned by the PAP over his comments on why the WP did not select him as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament after last year's General Election. "My conscience is clear," he declared at the WP's final rally on Thursday.
In a question-and-answer with this newspaper, Mr Png identified estate renewal and lift upgrading as the top concerns of Hougang residents.
And beyond speaking up for residents and taking care of the constituency, Mr Png believes the role of an MP is to "scrutinise and debate on policies to ensure the interests of all Singaporeans are protected in an inclusive society". It is also to be "an effective check and balance on the government", he said.
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Mr Png Eng Huat. TODAY FILE PHOTO
by Teo Xuanwei
04:45 AM May 26, 2012
SINGAPORE - When the Workers' Party (WP) unveiled Mr Png Eng Huat (picture), 50, as its candidate for the Hougang by-election, the businessman appeared uncomfortable with the media attention.
He confirmed as much when he told Today that it was "challenging to be thrust in the spotlight".
Over the past days of campaigning, Mr Png, a self-confessed listener who prefers to work in the background, found himself constantly in the limelight, with the People's Action Party (PAP) keen to pile attention on him.
But Mr Png has always maintained that the by-election is about something bigger than himself. "The key issue is to preserve Hougang - this is where everything started for the Workers' Party in 1991," said Mr Png, who has described Hougang as a "shining light for democracy" as he seeks to keep the flame burning.
In line with his declaration that he would conduct a "no-frills and low-key" campaign, Mr Png - who was described by WP chief Low Thia Khiang as a "hands-on person (who) doesn't like publicity" - held his walkabouts and other campaign activities largely away from the media glare.
He is, after all, representing a party that has a "track record in Hougang", he pointed out. And having been active in Hougang grassroots activities since 2006, residents "know my abilities", he said.
"The bottom line for me is that things must get done. In the sense, whether I'm fiery or I'm doing it on the quiet, things must get done. Views must be aired," said Mr Png, adding that Hougang residents "have not given me any indication they want me to be fiery".
But Mr Png did show a fiery side when the occasion called for it, such as when his integrity was questioned by the PAP over his comments on why the WP did not select him as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament after last year's General Election. "My conscience is clear," he declared at the WP's final rally on Thursday.
In a question-and-answer with this newspaper, Mr Png identified estate renewal and lift upgrading as the top concerns of Hougang residents.
And beyond speaking up for residents and taking care of the constituency, Mr Png believes the role of an MP is to "scrutinise and debate on policies to ensure the interests of all Singaporeans are protected in an inclusive society". It is also to be "an effective check and balance on the government", he said.
enlarge this photo
Mr Png Eng Huat. TODAY FILE PHOTO
Voting kicks off for Hougang by-election
Posted: 26 May 2012 0836 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Voting has started for the Hougang by-election.
23,368 voters are eligible to cast their votes.
Some residents started queueing up 15 minutes before the polling stations opened.
The candidate for the People's Action Party Desmond Choo was seen at the polling station at Block 363 Hougang Avenue 5.
The candidate for the Workers' Party Png Eng Huat was at the Holy Innocents Primary School polling station.
The Hougang by-election is a straight fight between Mr Choo and Mr Png.
- CNA/cc
Posted: 26 May 2012 0836 hrs
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Voters queue up to cast their ballot. (Photo: Siti Bazilah) | |||||||||||
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SINGAPORE: Voting has started for the Hougang by-election.
23,368 voters are eligible to cast their votes.
Some residents started queueing up 15 minutes before the polling stations opened.
The candidate for the People's Action Party Desmond Choo was seen at the polling station at Block 363 Hougang Avenue 5.
The candidate for the Workers' Party Png Eng Huat was at the Holy Innocents Primary School polling station.
The Hougang by-election is a straight fight between Mr Choo and Mr Png.
- CNA/cc
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